“I CAN tell you that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) are a living force within the Methodist Church in Fiji today.”
These were the sentiments shared by the president of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, the Rev Dr Epineri Vakadewavosa while conducting the sacred service of rededicating the RFMF Chapel and blessing of its new equipment on Sunday. Last Sunday marked 45 years from when the chapel was first built.
To coincide with this, the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) fundraised a total of $150,000 to renovate the chapel in commemoration of the sacrifice by ex-servicemen who went to Solomon and Malaya.
Dr Vakadewavosa said it was an honour for him to be invited to sanctify the memorial occasion.
“I want to thank the commanding officer and members of the third battalion for exemplifying your faith in the excellent renovation work witnessed today (Sunday),” he said.
“In 1967, I was enlisted into the RFMF and still remember my regimental number as 2119. During my three weeks at QEB (Queen Elizabeth Barracks), I learnt a lot and the church service was always held at the Garrison Hall which is now the Tuvasu Hall.”
President Jioji Konrote, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, RFMF Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, Commander Land Force Colonel Manoa Gadai and other senior officers were part of the service last week.
